Germany: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 countermeasures as of Nov. 8 /update 65

Event

Germany is maintaining a number of international entry and domestic restrictions intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 as of Nov. 8.

International Entry Restrictions
All travelers over the age of 12 arriving in Germany via air or land must provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours or 48 hours before arrival, respectively, to enter the country; this requirement does not apply to cross-border commuters or travelers transiting Germany.

Generally, Germany prohibits entry by unvaccinated individuals from outside the EEA, except for those from Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE, and Uruguay. Fully vaccinated travelers from other countries can enter Germany for nonessential purposes, provided at least 14 days have passed since they received a full dosage of an approved vaccine. Only travelers inoculated with vaccines approved by German authorities are allowed entry; for a full list of approved vaccines, click here.

Germany classifies countries of concern as "high risk" or "virus variant" areas. All travelers who have visited high-risk or virus-variant areas in the preceding 10 days must complete a digital entry registration form before arrival. Travelers who have visited a designated high-risk area in the 10 days before arriving in Germany must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Quarantine from high-risk areas can be ended early by presenting a negative test result no sooner than five days after the beginning of self-isolation. Travelers who have either received the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine no less than 14 days before arrival or have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months are exempt from quarantine requirements. Travelers who have visited a virus-variant area must isolate for 14 days. Different restrictions are in place for individuals in transit, transport workers, and cross-border commuters. A full list of locations designated as high-risk areas can be accessed by clicking here; no locations are currently listed as virus-variant areas.

Domestic Restrictions
Generally, nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate, and gatherings can take place subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Evidence of vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative COVID-19 test is required to access many businesses and services; authorities in some states only accept evidence of vaccination or recovery. Authorities require individuals to wear facemasks with a filtering facepiece protection class of at least 2 (FFP2) on public transport and in stores and public offices nationwide. Restrictions vary slightly between states; restrictions by state are available by clicking here.

Authorities could ease, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice based on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Digital Registration on Entry Form
Government of Germany
COVID-19 Self-isolation and Testing Requirements
Map of Infection Rates per County
Regional Restrictions in Germany (in German)